16.01.19 John Kendall

BMW Group Opens 2019 Apprenticeship Scheme

Young people with a passion for a career in the automotive industry are being encouraged to apply for an apprenticeship place at BMW Group’s manufacturing operations across the UK. Places are available at the BMW Group’s plants at Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall, in areas including maintenance, engineering, IT and business. An apprenticeship open evening is due to take place in Oxford on Thursday 17 January.

BMW’s apprenticeship scheme will offer more than 40 places at the start of August 2019. MINI Plant Oxford is the centre of MINI production, Plant Swindon produces pressings and sub-assemblies for both MINI and BMW, while the Hams Hall plant produces engines for MINI and BMW models.

Apprenticeships last between three and four years and cover a wide range of areas to help equip young people with the skills needed for a successful career in the automotive sector.

Simon Farrall, Head of Apprentice and Associate Training for BMW Group UK, said: “An apprenticeship is a great way to start a career in the automotive industry during a new and exciting era of electro-mobility. We see apprentices as the future leaders of our business and many of our most experienced people started out this way. If you have a passion to solve problems, like working in a team and can rise to a challenge, then we want to hear from you.”

As part of BMW Group’s commitment to attracting more young females into engineering, applications are also now open for the ‘Girls Go Technical’ programme, which will run during the Easter holidays. This programme, which gives an insight into BMW Group’s three UK production sites, is aimed at females aged between 15 and 24 who are considering a technical apprenticeship in manufacturing.

Second year maintenance apprentice, Tabitha Steel, from Oxford, said: “So far I’ve found my apprenticeship hugely rewarding. It’s given me practical, hands on experience, as well as the opportunity to earn while I learn. The chance to work with so many experienced and talented people across the business has been absolutely invaluable. To anyone who is even remotely thinking about whether the car industry might be right for them I’d say definitely give it a go – every day there’s a new challenge to get to grips with and solve.”

Year 11-13 students, as well as parents and teachers, can find out more about the opportunities available by attending a special BMW Group apprenticeship open evening in Oxford on 17th January 2019.

Guests will have the opportunity to talk to current and former apprentices, as well as training managers to find out more about the programmes’ content, its benefits and how to apply.

See here for further information: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bmw-group-apprenticeship-open-evening-tickets-53736330812?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Depending on the programme, apprentice training leads to a Level Three Competency Qualification, while some young people will have the opportunity to progress right through to degree level in the course of their career depending on their performance.

Applicants will need a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 5 (old Grade C) or above, including Maths and English. For engineering, business and IT degree apprenticeships, applicants will also need relevant higher qualifications, which will be outlined in each job advert.

For full entry requirements visit the following link: https://www.bmwgroup.jobs/uk

Entries are open until 13th March 2019, but early applications are advised.